Bypass switch for automatic circuit reclosure



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or'booster transformer or thelike. to the hinges 1-4 and 16 are a pair of main switch blades 22 and 24, respectively. Switch blades 22 and 24 may United Sttes Patent 3,103,560 BYPASS swnrcn FOR AUTOMATIC CIRCUIT RECLOSURE Ronald P. Bridges, Downers Grove, Ill., assignor to Hubhard and Company, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed Sept. 22, 1960, Ser. No. 57,654 9 Claims. (Cl. 200-2) This invention relates in general to an electrical switch and, in particular, to an electrical switch of the bypass, disconnect type.

Switches of the present type have particular application in connection with the operation of electrical devices of certain types, such as induction regulators,

booster transformers, and current transformers and in other operations where it is desirable to be able to deenergize the device without interrupting the flow of electric power in the load circuit in which the device is normally connected, such as when routine maintenance operations are being performed on primary metering equipment.

In the past, an installation employing conventional switches for taking a regulator, for example, out of service utilized three switches consisting of two isolating switches and a bypass switch to first bypass the regulator and then to subsequently disconnect the regulator from the line itself. in later developments switch arrangements combining the three switches were assembled in one unit to perform all the required functions. It

shafts 26 and 28, respectively, which in turn may be secured to hinges 14 and 16 by a plurality of cotter pins 38.

As has been said, insulators 8 and 10 may be secured at one end thereof to base '6- by plurality of machine bolts 1-2. Insulators 8 and '10 may be also secured to the main line terminal straps 40' and 42 by means of machine bolts 44 and 46, respectively. Main line terminals 48 and 50 are connected to main line terminals straps 40 and 42, respectively, by a pair of machine bolts 52, one of which is shown. Also secured to main line straps 40 and 4-2 by means of machine bolts 44, 46, 50 and 52 are spring straps 54 and 56, respectively.

The main switch blades 22 and 24 are interconnected by insulators 58 and 60, and insulators 58 and 60 are secured in turn to main switch blades 22 and 24 by machine bolts 62 and 64-, respectively, insulators 58 and 60 are joined at opposing ends by stud 66. Rigidly mounted was intended that the bypass circuit be completed before a .the following description is viewed in light of the drawings, of which: p p

FIGURE *1 is a perspective view of oneembodiment of the invention; v v FIGURE 2 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in- -FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of the invention illus trated in FIGURE '1.

Like numerals designate corresponding parts in all figures of the drawings; The switch illustrated in the drawings includes a pair of spaced insulators 2 and 4 secured to a tilted base 6 at the lower portion thereof and 'a pair of spaced insulators 8 and '10 secured to the fixed reversed figure seven, as viewed in FIGURE 3; Insulators 2 and-4 may be secured to hinges 14 and 16 byrnachine bolts .18 and 20, respectively. Attached to the lower portion of hinges 14-and 16 by means of machine bolts 36 and 38, respectively,'are circuit terminals '32 and 34, to which maybe connected the induction regulator Hingeably attached be hingeably secured to hinges 14 and 16 by positioning on stud 66 is pole ring 68 having hookeye 78 formed therein. Pole ring 68 is pivotably attached to an insulated rod assembly such as a fiber glass rod assembly 72 by means of shaft 74, which in turn is attached to the fiber glass rod assembly "/2 by means of cotter pins 7 6.

Fiber glass rod assembly 72 is pivotally attached to the solid bypass blade 78 by means of shaft 84 which is at tached to bypass blade 78 by means of cotter pins 86. Bypass blade 78 has integrally formed thereon at either end thereof cylindrical terminal portions 116 and 118. Bypass blade 78 is rigidly secured to the upper clevis 88 by machine bolt 96. Bypass blade 78 is pivotably attached to the fixed bracket 96 through upper clevis 88, insulato'r 94, and lower clevis 98. Upper clevis '88 is rigidly secured to insulator 94 by machine bolt 92 and lower clevis 98 is rigidly scured to insulator 94 by machine bolt 10. Lower clevis 98 is pivotably secured to bracket 96 by means of shaft 102 which in turn is secured to bracket 96 by means of cotter pins 104. Bracket 96 may be secured to base 6 by welding, soldering, or by any appropriate means. Base '6 has adjustably associated therewith aback mounting bracket 106 which may be adjustably spaced from base 6 by carriage bolts 108 and 110.

In operation, the load such as an induction regulator is connected to the terminals 32 and 34 and the main line is connected to terminals 48 and 50. Initially a conduction path exists from the main line through terminals 48, spring strap 54, the somewhat cylindrically shaped upper portion of switch blade 22, through the main body of switch blade 22, the lower expanded portion of switch blade 22 positioned within bracket 14, through hinge structure 14, through terminal 32, through the load and back through terminal 34, hinge structure 16, the lower expanded portion of switch blade 24, the main body portion of switch blade 24, the upper somewhat cylindrically shaped portion of switch blade 24, the spring strap 56, and through terminal 50 back to the main line. The upper cylindrically shaped portions of both switch blades 22 and 24- are held in tight contact with the spring straps 54 and 56, respectively, inasmuch as spring straps 54 and 56 exert a force on the upper portion of the main switch blades 22 and 24. The main line straps 40and 42 have a forked or bifurcated configuration at both the upper and lower portions, as viewed in the drawings, which performs the function of providing a positioning channel and a spark dispersion configuration.

28. As pole ring 68 moves in a clockwise direction about both shafts 26 and 28, the fiber glass insulating rod assembly 72 is pulled downwardly and laterally to the right, as viewed from FIGURE 3. The fiber glass rod assembly 72 pivots about shaft 84 at its upper end, as viewed from FIGURE 3, as it is pulled downwardly and laterally to the right. As the insulating rod assembly 72 moves, the bypass blade 78 moves in a circumferential direction with the pivot point being at shaft 102. Bypass blade 78 pivots aboutshaft 102, and the previously mentioned assembly including the main switch blades 22 and 24, pivots about shafts 26 and 28. Also during this period of rotation fiber glass rod assembly 72 pivots at its opposite ends about shafts 7'4 and 84-, respectively. The upper cylindrically shaped portions of the main switch blades 7 22 and 24 are pivoted free from the restraining portions 112 and 140, respectively, of the spring straps 54 and 56. The restraining portions 112 and 140 of the spring straps 54 and 56, respectively, are provided by forming a somewhat cylindrically shaped detent in the respective spring straps adapted to receive and retain the upper cylindrically shaped portions of the main switch blades when :the switch blades are in a closed position. These detents protect against improper opening of the bypass switch and provide 'a positive latch for the bypass switch in the closed position. As the switch blades 22 and 24 continue to pivot in response to the movement of the pole ring 68,

i they become disengaged from the main line straps 40 and 42, respectively. However, main line switch blades 22 and 24- still remain in contact with the spring straps 54 to the mainline before the bypassing blade 78 disengages' and 56, respectively, at the outer edges 114 and 126 therer of, and the spring action of the spring straps 54 and 56 keeps the end portions 114 and 126 thereof in contact with the: main switch blades 22 and 24 for a portion of the length of travel of the main switch blades after they disengage from the main line straps 40 and 42, respectively.

As long as spring straps 54 and 56 are in contact with the mainswitch blades 22 and 24, respectively, the circuit from the main line to the load is not interrupted. As the bypass blade 78 pivots around shaft 102, its terminal portions 116 and 118 positioned on opposite sides of bypass blade 78 engagethe feeler portions 120 and 124, respectively, of the springstraps 54 and '56, respectively, result- ;ingin a sli-ghtclockwise movement'of the spring straps 54 and 56. The spring straps 54 and '56 thereafter resiliently ride ,upon the terminal portions 116 and 118 of the V bypass blade 78. As soon as the terminal portions of the bypass blade 78 engages the end portions 120 and 124 of spring straps 54 and 56, respectively, the circuit to the load attached to terminals 32 and 34 is bypassed, that is, the bypass blade 78 shunts the load circuit and a short- ,circuit exists from terminal'48 through the spring strap ,54, the bypass blade terminal portion .116, the main body "of the by-pass' blade 78,. and the opposite terminal portion 118 of the by-pass blade 78 through the springstrap 56 and out through the terminal 50.

The length of the springstraps 54 and 56 at the'end portions 114 and 126, respectively, thereof is adjusted such that the bypass strap 78 has engaged the end portions 120 and 124 of the spring straps 54 and 56, respectively, before the main switch blades 22 and 24have pivoted -free ofpo'rtions 11-4 and 126, respectively. This insures that the load attached to the terminals 7 '32 and 34 will be bypassed through blade 78 before the load circuit itself is opened up at the main line straps 40 and 42, respectively. As by-pass blade 78 pivots and engages the outer end portions .120 and 1-24 of the spring 'straps'54 and 56, respectively, it will enter the upper strap 78 will, ride in the channel provided by the bifurcated upper portion of the main line straps 40' and 42, respectively. The cylindrical terminal portions or the portions 116 and 118 of switch blade 78 will move contiguous with the upper surface of the main line straps 40 and 42 and will be resiliently and tightly held thereto'by the action of the spring straps 54 and 56, respectively. After the bypass strap 78 has pivoted its maximum distance, the cylindrically shaped terminals 116 and 118 thereof will rest under and will be retained by the retaining detents 130 and 132, similar to retaining de-tents 112 and 140, [formed in the spring straps 54 and 56, respectively, and will be tightly held in that position and will be thereby biased against movement due to vibration.

To open the switch or to remove the bypass from the switch, the pole ring 68' is moved in an opposite direction or in an upward direction and the movements heretofore described are reversed and the load circuit is connected from the spring straps 54 and 56.

As is now apparent, there has been provided a bypass switch which is durable and reliable and which may be economically manufactured and which requires little at-.

tention. V The main terminal straps '40 and 42 are somewhat Z shaped and provide a channel at each end to provide for the proper alignment of the main switch blades and the bypass blade respectively.

,The main switch blades 22 and 24 areprovided with a somewhat cylindrically shaped upper'surface to present a long wearing surface and easy locking and unlocking by the spring strap detents. r

The spring straps 54 and 56 may be formed from any suitable grade of spring bronze or the like and are selected to insure that the load is bypassed before the load is disconnected and this is done by selecting the proper lengths that the spring straps extend past the associated main line terminals. The spring straps are easily and readily replaceable and are of a comparativley simple configura-:

tion.

' The bypass blade 78 is a solid bar of ahigh electrical conductivity and has a pair of cylinders integrally formed at opposing ends, which present a long wearing surface and are also easily locked and unlocked by the associated spring strap detents. Also, the tab portions and 82 formed on the bottom surfaces of the cylinders insurev the proper alignment of the bypass blade and main line tenminals and-the tab portions ride in the forked or bi-, furcated channels in the upper portions of the main line terminals. V a

'Ilhe fiber glass rod assembly 72 insures a positiveand direct coupling between the main switch blades and the bypass blade.

What has been described is what is considered to be the best mode forcarrying out the inventive concept and it is believed that not only the specific embodiment disclosed, but the inventive concept conveyed thereby, is

subject to the claims which follow.

7 What is claimed is: a I

1. A bypass switch comprising a pair of input terminals,

a pair of output terminals, a pair of pivotable switch blades intermediate said input and output terminals for input terminals extended at Opposite ends thereof in the direction of movement of said pair of switch'blad'es and said bypass blade, respectively, said concurrent movement of said pair of switch blades and said bypass blade being such that said pair of switch blades is traveling in a direction to disengage from s aidpair of input terminals as said bypass blade is traveling in a direction to engage said pair of input terminals, said pair of input terminals formed such that said bypass blade is in con-tact with said pair of input terminals when said pair of switch blades engages and disengages said pair of input terminals.

2. A claim as in claim 1, wherein said pair of input terminals has formed at opposite ends thereof a plurality of leaf springs extending at opposite ends in the direction of movement of said pair of switch blades and said bypass blade, said leaf springs at said opposite ends of said input terminals being such that said bypass blade is in contact with said leaf spring extended in the direction thereof when said pair of switch blades engages and disengages said pair of input terminals.

3. A claim as in claim 1, wherein said opposite ends of said pair of input terminals are bifurcated.

4.A claim as in claim 3, wherein said bypass blade has formed thereon at opposite ends thereof a pair of extending tabs adapted to fit between said bifurcated ends of said input terminals.

5. A bypass switch comprising a pair of input terminals lying substantially in the same plane, :a pair of substantially co-planar output terminals lying in a plane parallel to said first mentioned plane, a pair of pivotable switch blades intermediate said input and output terminals lying in parallel planes which are substantially perpendicular to said first mentioned and said second mentioned planes for selectively connecting and disconnecting said input and output terminals, said pair of switch blades interconnected by a spacing insulator for concurrent movement therewith, a bypass blade adapted to bridge said pair of input terminals, said bypass blade connected through a second insulator to said first mentioned insulator for concurrent movement with said pair of switch blades, said second insulator pivotably connected at one end thereof to said bypass blade and pivotably connected at'the opposite end thereof to said first mentioned insulator, said bypass blade selectively connected and disconnected with said pair of input terminals in accordance with the movement of said pair of switch blades, said pair of input terminals extended at opposite ends thereof in the direction of movement of said pair of switch blades and said bypass blade, respectively, said pair of input terminals being bifurcated at opposite ends thereof, a pair of leaf springs attached to each of said pair of input terminals and extending :at opposite ends thereof past said extended bifurcated ends of said pair of input terminals, said concurrent movement of said pair of input terminals and said bypass blade being such that said pair of switch blades is traveling in a direction to disengage from said pair of input terminals when said bypass blade is traveling in a direction to engage said pair of input terminals, said pair of leaf springs being such that said bypass blade is in contact with said pair of leaf springs extended in the direction thereof when said pair 6 of switch blades engages and disengages said pair of input terminals.

6. A claim as in claim 5, wherein said bypass blade has formed on opposite ends thereof a cylindrical surface adapted to engage said pair of leaf springs extended in the direction thereof and said input terminals, and wherein said pivotable switch blades have formed at one end thereof a pair of cylindrical surfaces adapted to engage said pair of leaf springs extended in the direction thereof and said pair of input terminals, and said pair of leaf springs having formed therein at opposite ends thereof a plurality of detents adapted to receive and retain said cylindrical surfaces formed on said bypass blade and said cylindrical surfaces formed on said pair of pivotable switch blades.

7. A claim as in claim 6, wherein said bypass blade has formed thereon at said cylindrical surfaces thereof an extended tab adapted to enter and to be aligned within said bifurcated ends of said input tenrninals.

8. A claim as in claim 7, wherein said first mentioned insulator has attached thereto a hook-eye handle, said hook-eye handle attached at one end thereof to said second mentioned insulator.

9. A bypass switch comprising a pair of input terminals, a pair of output terminals, a pair of pivotable switch blades intermediate said input and output terminals for selectively connecting and disconnecting said input and output terminals, said pair of switch blades interconnected for concurrent movement, a bypass blade connected to said pair of switch blades for concurrent movement therewith, said bypass blade selectively connected and disconnected to said pair of input temninals in accordance with the movement of said pair of switch blades, said pair of input terminals extended at opposite ends thereof in the direction of movement of said pair of switch blades and said bypass blade, said pair of input terminals having formed on said opposite ends thereof leaf springs extending in the direction of movement of said pair of switch blades and said bypass blade, respectively, said concurrent movement of said pair of input terminals and said bypass blade such that said pair of input terminals is traveling in a direction to disengage from said pair of input terminals when said bypass blade is traveling in a direction to engage said pair of input terminals, said leaf springs formed such that said bypass blade is in contact with said leaf springs formed on said pair of input terminals when said pair of switch blades engages or disengages said leaf springs formed on said pair of input terminals.

References Qited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

1. A BYPASS SWITCH COMPRISING A PAIR OF INPUT TERMINALS, A PAIR OF OUTPUT TERMINALS, A PAIR OF PIVOTABLE SWITCH BLADES INTERMEDIATE SAID INPUT AND OUTPUT TERMINALS FOR SELECTIVELY CONNECTING AND DISCONNECTING SAID INPUT AND OUTPUT TERMINALS, SAID PAIR OF SWITCH BLADES INTERCONNECTED BY A SPACING INSULATOR FOR CONCURRENT MOVEMENT THEREWITH, AN ELONGATED BYPASS BLADE EXTENDING SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL TO SAID INSULATOR AND CONNECTED TO SAID INSULATOR FOR CONCURRENT MOVEMENT WITH SAID PAIR OF SWITCH BLADES, SAID BYPASS BLADE SELECTIVELY CONNECTED AND DISCONNECTED TO SAID PAIR OF INPUT TERMINALS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MOVEMENT OF SAID PAIR OF SWITCH BLADES, SAID PAIR OF INPUT TERMINALS EXTENDED AT OPPOSITE ENDS THEREOF IN THE DIRECTION OF MOVEMENT OF SAID PAIR OF SWITCH BLADES AND SAID BYPASS BLADE, RESPECTIVELY, SAID CONCURRENT MOVEMENT OF SAID PAIR OF SWITCH BLADES AND SAID BYPASS BLADE BEING SUCH THAT SAID PAIR OF SWITCH BLADES IS TRAVELING IN A DIRECTION TO DISENGAGE FROM SAID PAIR OF INPUT TERMINALS AS SAID BYPASS BLADE IS TRAVELING IN A DIRECTION TO ENGAGE SAID PAIR OF INPUT TERMINALS, SAID PAIR OF INPUT TERMINALS FORMED SUCH THAT SAID BYPASS BLADE IS IN CONTACT WITH SAID PAIR OF INPUT TERMINALS WHEN SAID PAIR OF SWITCH BLADES ENGAGES AND DISENGAGES SAID PAIR OF INPUT TERMINALS. 